It’s time to start taking home security seriously. Whether you’re moving into a new home in a new neighborhood, or just want to safe-proof your existing home, it’s a sensible investment. Keeping our homes safe isn’t just about locks on doors. It’s also about how safe our interiors are for children and even pets. There are plenty of steps you can take to avoid accidents inside the home, and prevent any vandalism taking place outside it.
The Basics
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There are some simple steps you can take to make your home safer, without spending any money. Firstly it make sense to close and lock all of your windows and doors when you leave your home and at night. Secondly, it can be tempting, but don’t leave keys by the door. When we get home from work it can be easy to chuck our keys onto a side table by the door. This makes them an easy target for burglars. Burglars have even been known to use a hook device to grab keys through letterboxes! Keep your keys safe by keeping them out of sight.
Installing a burglar alarm does cost money but it’s one of the cheaper home security solutions. That goes for outside lighting too. Lighting which is activated my movement is enough to put most would-be intruders off. Similarly, keep your garden fences and any side gates in good condition. Make sure all bikes and tools are stored away too.
Why Worry About Windows?
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Secure your home against any unwanted intruders, or accidents, by strengthening windows. Windows are considered the most fragile exterior to our homes. Whether it’s an intruder trying to get in, or simply kids playing with a ball in the street, our windows need to be strong enough. A simple and cost-effective way to strengthening windows is to invest in a security window film. Security film works by holding glass together so that it doesn’t smash like a normal window would. It is usually used in government buildings and is an effective protection for windows. It also stops glass from flying out and harming occupants, if the glass does break.
Another great thing about the film is that it makes homes more energy efficient. Increasing the solar performance of the glass, these films act as a cost-effective solution to home security. Finally protecting your windows with film helps to protect from graffiti and any accidental damage too.
In most cases, burglars will try and force entry through the front door. Make sure your locks are strong and secure and you could also consider fitting an extra bar as an added security measure.
What Your Home Says About You
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If you’re going on holiday or a short trip away, don’t advertise that you’re home is empty. There are a number of things that can indicate an empty home. Mail building up on the doorstep, or milk deliveries. The lights being kept off in the evening also suggests no one is home. So if you are going away make sure you get in touch with your postal provider and ask them to hold your mail. Do the same with any milk or newspapers you might have delivered. If you can, set a timer on your lights to come on in the evening for a few hours. Lastly, ask a neighbor to watch over the property whilst you’re away.
Safety At Home Starts Inside
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Keeping your home safe on the inside is just as important as securing the outside! This is especially true if you have young children. The same way you rigorously assess the security of your home you need to assess your interiors too.
If you have a baby or young child you have to make sure that your home is a safe space for them to develop and play. Start off by keeping all harmful items out of reach. This includes the obvious things like medication, but it extends to hot food and drinks too. A common mistake is to hold your baby whilst sipping a hot drink. This, of course, is innocent enough, but the potential for burns is a risk. Similarly, don’t leave hot food or drinks on a surface where your child could knock or grab them as they run by. Make sure you keep young children away from cooking appliances and out of harm’s way when cooking you’re cooking.
In terms of your doors, make sure you wedge doorstops in. This allows your child to move freely throughout the house, without the risk of catching their fingers while opening or closing a door. Similarly, if you want to restrict access to stairs whilst your kids are learning to walk, use a baby gate. Lastly, make sure you have locks on any cupboards within reach that have sharp knives or dangerous objects. Cover all furniture and skirting board corners with covers to prevent injuries.
If you don’t have any young children you can obviously afford to be a little more laid-back about your interiors. If you have a pet, however, it’s still important to keep dangerous objects out or reach. This includes covering over any wires that could be chewed. It goes without saying that any home should also have a fire alarm system. This is a must no matter what the size of your family is. Make sure you check these annually to make sure they’re working correctly.
Gorge
Wednesday 20th of September 2017
Maintaining home security is important specially when you have children in the home. I appreciate your ideas and tips about the security window glass.